Alba
White truffle capital of the world, surrounded by UNESCO-listed Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards.
About Alba
Alba is a food and wine lover's paradise. This small town in the heart of the Langhe hills is world-famous for the white truffle—tartufo bianco d'Alba—the most expensive ingredient in gastronomy, hunted with dogs in the surrounding oak woods every autumn. The town hosts the International White Truffle Fair from October to December, drawing epicures from around the world. But Alba is equally important for wine: the Langhe hills surrounding it produce Barolo, Barbaresco, and Nebbiolo, and the landscape itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has elegant medieval towers, excellent restaurants, and the Ferrero chocolate empire (Nutella, Ferrero Rocher) is headquartered here.
Best Time to Visit
October to November for white truffle season and the Truffle Fair. May to June for vineyard touring in pleasant weather. The harvest season (vendemmia) in September-October is magical in the vineyards.
Local Tips
- Go truffle hunting at dawn.
A local can arrange a truffle hunt with a trifolao and his trained dog in the misty Langhe woods, followed by a meal where the truffle is shaved generously over fresh tajarin pasta and fried eggs.
- Drive the Barolo wine trail.
The villages of Barolo, La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, and Serralunga each produce distinct wines. A local knows the tiny family cantinas that don't appear on maps and the viewpoints where the UNESCO landscape takes your breath away.
- Visit the Truffle Fair like a local.
The annual Fiera del Tartufo can be overwhelming. A local will navigate the stalls, teach you to evaluate truffle quality by scent and texture, and arrange a truffle lunch that's worth the trip alone.
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Barbara
Rome, Cinque Terre +13
5.0(2)As a certified Tour Leader, I've had the incredible privilege of guiding groups from all over the world across Italy and Europe. I adore my country, and over the years, I've realized that my favorite role is being a bridge between travelers and the true soul of a place. Today, I invite you to experience this through my eyes. Whether you need a customized itinerary for your trip or a cultural deep-dive anywhere in Italy, I am here to help you live the best experience of your vacation. I’m waiting for you! Let’s plan something beautiful together.
Paolo
Turin, Alba +9
I'm a Certified Cycling Tour Leader with extensive experience in developing, promoting, and guiding cycling routes for road, gravel, mountain, and e-bikes. Skilled in group management, itinerary design, outdoor education, and event organization. Thinking about exploring Piedmont by bike? Whether you’re looking to stay fit, slow down and take in the scenery, or ride your way through some of Italy’s best food and wine regions, I’m here to help you make it happen. From the dramatic Olympic mountains to the rolling Langhe hills, from lakes and natural parks to the historic charm of Turin and the Savoy residences, Piedmont has an incredible variety of landscapes to explore. I’ll help you uncover the best routes, local highlights, and must-stop food and wine experiences along the way. My goal is simple: to help you plan a cycling experience that feels seamless, safe, and genuinely memorable, so you can focus on enjoying the ride. As a certified cycling guide, I offer personalised advice and tailored route recommendations based on your interests, fitness level, and the type of riding you enjoy- whether that’s road cycling, e-biking, or something more relaxed with family and friends. Let's plan your trip together!
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Arianna
Alba, Turin +1
Hi there! My name is Arianna. I am translator and Italian teacher with a deep-rooted passion for the landscapes of Piedmont. I was born and raised in Alba, the heart of the Langhe, but I have also lived for several years in the vibrant city of Turin, where I obtained my MAs in Translation and Audiovisual Translation. This has given me a dual perspective on both our rural traditions and the urban pulse of the region. I have spent my entire life exploring the hills of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato. My bond with this land is both personal and specialized — I even trained as a sommelier purely out of passion to better understand our world-class viticulture. Whether it’s the historical streets of Asti or the hidden trails of the Roero, I know these areas not just as a resident, but as someone who truly lives and breathes the local culture.
Isabella
Novara, Turin +3
I am a tour guide, a travel companion, and a travel designer, but perhaps above all, I am a discerning traveler. My decade-long experience and my way of discovering the world allow me to create proposals and itineraries that transform every trip into a unique and memorable experience. With a solid background in the tourism industry that began in hospitality and grew with travel, I have developed a keen sensitivity to the needs of my clients, ensuring travel experiences that go beyond expectations.